DM area home builders

[psychlone99]

We're looking to possibly move within Ankeny. Most of the homes we're looking at have been constructed since the mid-1990s. Some home builders are less respected than others. Who are they and why?

Thanks in advance!

 

[4VR4CY]

Jerry's homes are not good.

 

[dmclone]

We had a Jerry's Home Townhouse and it was junk but it's my understanding that it's pretty common for builders to "cheap out" when it comes to townhomes.

 

[hiltonisheaven]

I have heard that ever since Regency went out Jerry's has changed their ways and are building better homes w/ better materials than they used to. That being said, I wouldn't buy a 90's era Jerry's home without getting an inspection from a professional.

 

[isuno1fan]

Stephen Grubb is crap as well.

I think Gracious and Accurate Builders are decent. Alot depends on the price range you are looking at.

 

[hiltonisheaven]

Can't go wrong with Meadowbrook in the $175- $200k range or Kimberly for above that in my opinion

 

[isuno1fan]

Truth is any builder can give you a crap house at any time. It's always a roll of the dice IMO.

 

[Hilz4cy]

We recently built our home in Clive using Trademark builders. Ron Braga is the individual we worked with, great guy and did everything exactly they way we wanted even after a few changes. All around great experience

 

[cyclonesurveyor]

MJ Properties out at Prairie Trail near the new Aquatic Center.

 

[fwiw]

In Ankeny, the major players are Kimberley, Hubbell, Greystone, Jerry's, Gardner, Tyler, and Grubb. There's others, but these are the more common ones.

Of these, Grubb is probably the one to stay away from, I had a home inspector tell me straight up that Grubb "has a lot of problems". Also stay away from anything Regency, and any Jerry's more than 2-3 years old.

Jerry's has some newer homes in our area, and I have to say they're a lot better than they used to be -- but I think it depends on the price point, as it does with all of them.

 

[gondozors]

2 of my favorites are Matt Gardner (Gardner Homes) & Reed Strahan (Strahan Homes).

Good quality builders who have been around for a long time, you will pay for their work.

My advice as someone who just completed a purchase in Ankeny this past Tuesday & looked for home for 1yr........if you want to build, find resales of the builder your considering so you can see how their work holds out over time.

 

[Snoop]

I have sold real estate in Ankeny for over 10 years and worked with Matt Gardner of Gardner Homes for 7 of those years and in my opinion he is the best builder there is in Ankeny with regards to quality, price, and he actually cares about that the people who buys his homes are happy. I've sold many homes from several different builders and he is the best. When I worked for him, several times we had buyers want to build cheaper homes with him and he wouldn't do it because he will not build junk and he does not want his name on something like that. His name is on those homes while many other builders use some other name other than their own.

2 of my favorites are Matt Gardner (Gardner Homes) & Reed Strahan (Strahan Homes).

Good quality builders who have been around for a long time, you will pay for their work.

My advice as someone who just completed a purchase in Ankeny this past Tuesday & looked for home for 1yr........if you want to build, find resales of the builder your considering so you can see how their work holds out over time.

 

[simply1]

I have sold real estate in Ankeny for over 10 years and worked with Matt Gardner of Gardner Homes for 7 of those years and in my opinion he is the best builder there is in Ankeny with regards to quality, price, and he actually cares about that the people who buys his homes are happy. I've sold many homes from several different builders and he is the best. When I worked for him, several times we had buyers want to build cheaper homes with him and he wouldn't do it because he will not build junk and he does not want his name on something like that. His name is on those homes while many other builders use some other name other than their own.

Welcome Matt!

Pun intended

 

[Cycofan1]

I'd stay away from houses built by Al Reams. From what i've heard they're poorly constructed and not very well insulated.

 

[temperflare]

We purchased a home built by Greenland Homes. We've had a few issues, but each and every one was addressed promptly and corrected. The builder was very flexible with out schedules too which made it about as hassle-free as possible.

The wife and I have both been in the Sales and/or Service side of business so we recognize when someone cares about their product and how they are perceived.

We would buy another home built by Greenland.

 

[brianhos]

We built an addition with peterson builders from huxley. He was fantastic. It was not the cheapest bid, but he did a great job, and we still have had 0 problems with his work. He also employed a 100% english speaking crew which was nice.